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University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Over the past 10 years, no public university in the country has risen faster in the U.S. News & World Report national university rankings. Explore USF at your own pace with this self-guided campus tour, available now for our Tampa campus, and discover our world-class facilities, beautiful green spaces, and vibrant student life.

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Big achievements. Bold goals. Boundless futures.

• USF Campuses

Three Campuses — One USF

Each USF campus offers a one-of-a-kind college experience – all under the umbrella of a single Preeminent Research University.

Learn more about each campus below

If you crave the thrill of a large metropolitan university with endless events and activities, consider our sprawling Tampa campus.

St. Petersburg

Is a culturally rich waterfront city more your scene? You might be a natural for the stunning St. Petersburg campus.

Sarasota-Manatee

Prefer a tight-knit community where your professors know you by name? Find that hometown feel on the Sarasota-Manatee campus.

Three Campuses | One USF

Tampa Campus

Sprawling campus.

Packed with all the student amenities and resources of a large university, the Tampa campus is also just a short drive from downtown, historic Ybor City, theme parks and more.

Diverse Student Body

The culturally diverse students at the Tampa campus hail from more than 140 countries around the world.

Expansive Activities

The Tampa campus offers more than 600 clubs and organizations, 17 varsity sports, a thriving arts scene and frequent campus events, including concerts, comedy shows, lecture series and more.

Interdisciplinary Research

As early as freshman year, you can connect with a faculty mentor and join in cutting-edge, hands-on research.

St. Petersburg Campus

Downtown campus.

Located on beautiful Bayboro Harbor, the St. Petersburg campus is in the heart of the vibrant Innovation District of the City of St. Petersburg and within walking distance to cultural attractions, restaurants and concert venues.

Exciting New Dining and Residence Options

A new 375-bed residence hall with a full-service dining hall opened in July 2020, increasing on-campus housing by nearly 70 percent.

Outdoor Recreation

Take advantage of our stunning scenery with basketball, sand volleyball and an outdoor pool, or hit the water between classes on a kayak, canoe, paddle board or sailboat.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

As early as your freshmen year, you’ll have the opportunity work alongside professors on innovative research or pursue your own projects through experiential learning.

Sarasota-Manatee Campus

Experiential learning.

Learn at the world-renowned Mote Marine Laboratory and the Culinary Innovation Lab, a fully equipped teaching center for students in the Hospitality Management program.

Flexible Study Options

Full-time, part-time, online and on-campus class options are designed to fit your schedule.

Small Classes

With the lowest student-faculty ratio of all USF campuses, you get more personalized academic support.

On-Campus Activities

Explore a variety of clubs and organizations, plus student recreation, such as a fitness center, yoga and more. 

Student Life

Don’t just earn a college degree. make incredible memories along the way., discover why students choose usf.

From our stunning campus locations and amenities to our diverse culture and exceptional resources, you’ll discover numerous reasons students love calling USF home. With the academic and support opportunities available, you’ll benefit today when you start your education and tomorrow when you step into your career.

Pursue Your Passion Outside the Classroom

Connect with other students who share your interests, culture or beliefs. USF features more than 600 clubs and organizations across our three campuses. Whether you want to support a cause, continue engaging in a beloved activity or explore something new, USF's student-run clubs and organizations are a great way for you to make friends, expand your education and get involved on campus.

Find Your Fit

At USF, we emphasize a balanced approach to your education that doesn’t end with academics. Stay physically active with award-winning recreation centers, swimming pools, fitness classes, watersports and more. We feature on-campus medical clinics and counseling services to keep you healthy inside and out. Plus, we feature numerous other services, such as career counseling, tutoring and financial education, to ensure you finish your degree ready to take the next big step.

Choose Excitement — Choose USF

Your average day at USF is anything but average. Across our three locations, you’ll enjoy 1,000+ on-campus events each year, from concerts and celebrity guest lectures to movies and art exhibits. This includes special cultural events where we come together to celebrate USF's global diversity and learn about our rich student body made up of students from across the world. All USF students also receive free admission to 18 men’s and women’s varsity sports, including football.

See more student life highlights at each campus:

Discoveries happen all the time at usf. will you be a part.

RESEARCH AT USF

Where Passion Drives Discovery

You want to change the world. USF gives you the opportunity. Our Office of High Impact Practices and Undergraduate Research supports students across all majors by providing the chance to engage in life-changing research as early as freshman year.

$535.4 million

in research contracts and grants awarded in 2020

among all universities worldwide in generating new patents Intellectual Property Owners Association/NAI, 2020

new patents, 98 license/options and 11 new startup companies in fiscal year 2021

• Housing and Dining

When it comes to where you’ll live and how you’ll eat, we’re one USF with myriad options at three beautiful Gulf Coast campuses.

See individual campuses for more information

Swipe for individual campuses

Pick Your Perfect Home Away from Home

USF offers traditional-, suite- or apartment-style housing on the Tampa campus. Students who want to join a fraternity or sorority can live in the Greek Village. Finally, we offer 12 living-learning communities where you can choose to live with students who share similar academic, career and social interests.

We Nourish Minds and Bodies

The Tampa campus offers more than 30 dining locations across our campus that include everything from traditional dining halls and sidewalk cafés to nationally known favorites, including Chick-fil-A, multiple Starbucks locations, Panera Bread, Moe’s Southwest Grill and many more. We feature convenient meal plans to fit every appetite. Can’t find something you like? We have an on-campus Publix Super Market!

On-Campus Housing Is a Suite Situation

Housing options at the St. Petersburg campus feature three suite-style buildings: Pelican Apartment, Ibis Hall and Osprey Suites, which has its own dining hall and community kitchen. Residential Community Programs within each hall allow you to live with students who share similar majors, interests or identities.

Dining Catered to Your Needs

Got allergies? The Allergen Solutions station in our residential dining room has special selections made from ingredients without common food allergens. There’s also a special dietary request/food allergy form designed to accommodate people with allergies or dietary restrictions. Other dining options include The Reef, The Coral Café and The Bull Market Café. The meal plan includes Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars embedded in your USF ID, simplifying the financial end of the process.

Cozy Off-Campus Housing Options

We partner with off-campus housing providers to offer convenient residence options for incoming students. Housing providers are chosen to participate in our affiliated housing program based on their ability to provide safe residential spaces close to campus.

Food for Thought

The College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership is home to our on-campus eatery, The Café. Stop in to recharge between classes with a refreshing beverage, snack or lunch favorite. Nearby is our Culinary Innovation Lab, a state-of-the-art teaching facility for students in the hospitality management program and a venue for signature events, both public and private.

Programs of Study

From medicine to music and engineering to the arts, usf offers more than 240 majors and concentrations across our three campus locations.

• Specialty Programs

Choose the trajectory of your college career at USF.

The traditional college education doesn’t have to be traditional. At USF, you can choose the course you take from the start of your college career to the moment you receive your diploma.

Evaluating College Admission Offers for Honors Programs

Discover how to choose the offer that's the best academic and financial fit.

Next Steps for National Merit Semifinalists

See six steps for becoming a National Merit Finalist.

What Are the Benefits of Accelerated College Programs?

See all the pros and cons to choosing an accelerated college program.

Provost’s Scholars Program at USF

Hear firsthand from USF Provost’s Scholars Program students.

Student Success

Student success isn’t just a support unit at usf. it’s a promise..

• Student Services

Health Services

From administering influenza vaccinations to communicating about disease outbreaks and other potential health concerns, USF supports you with the medical care you need.

Counseling Services

At USF, we believe in supporting students inside and out. Our Counseling Center offers a variety of free services for students, including individual, group and couples counseling.

Academic Support

You can expect challenging courses that push you to reach your potential. However, you can also expect many academic support services to ensure your success, including tutoring, study skills training and more.

Career Services

At USF, we’re invested in your future. From picking a major to securing an internship to landing a job in your field, USF Career Services offers all the assistance you need to go from the classroom to the office.

Plan for Tomorrow — Starting Today

See firsthand the value of your education at USF. Explore MyFloridaFuture, a free, online tool for academic and career planning. This new, interactive resource allows you to explore a wealth of data to make better-informed decisions about your educational and employment opportunities, including institution-specific information on tuition cost, salaries, graduate employment, student debt and much more.

See more student success highlights at each campus:

Explore a world of opportunity. we’ll give you a secure place to start..

• Campus Safety

Your Safety Is Our Priority

USF is committed to maintaining a secure, friendly and welcoming campus community for all students. With our University Police Department, emergency Blue Light Phones around campus, text messaging notifications, and other on-campus resources and organizations, you can focus on your college experience, confident you’re protected by our sweeping safety measures.

Admission to USF

Get ready to start your college adventure..

Admissions Requirements

We Want You at USF

When you apply, we look at the whole picture: your GPA, the courses you completed in high school, and your SAT or ACT scores. You don’t need to include a personal essay or a letter of recommendation, but these materials can help us understand your personality, goals and any life challenges you’ve overcome.

We’ve got your back.

On your application, you can select Tampa, St. Petersburg or Sarasota-Manatee as your home campus to earn a degree from Florida’s only Preeminent State Research University located in a metropolitan area. Not sure which campus is right for you? Our recruiters can help match you to your ideal learning environment.

Admitted Student Profile

GPA: 4.00-4.50 SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31

Summer 2022

GPA: 3.62-4.12 SAT: 1100-1190 ACT: 22-25

USF Notice of Nondiscrimination

The University of South Florida encourages applications for admission from qualified students regardless of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected group status in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws on nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

How to Apply to USF

You Can Apply to USF in Four Easy Steps

Complete and submit the online application at admissions.usf.edu/application .

Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee or submit an application fee waiver.

Fill out the Submit your Student Self-Reported Academic Record found via your Thanks for Applying email. For more details on the SSAR, check out our website .

Send official SAT or ACT scores to USF. USF SAT code: 5828 | USF ACT Code: 0761

Stats and Tuition

The numbers don’t lie. see how it all adds up to incredible educational value at usf..

• Educational Value

A World-Class Education. An Affordable Cost.

We keep tuition low and value high. Even if you live out of state, our costs are often competitive with the rates at your local university.

College in 2021 The Princeton Review, 2020

among the 50 Most Affordable In-State Public Universities AffordableColleges.com, 2020

Best Values in Public Colleges Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, 2019

College in 2020 The Princeton Review, 2020

• Cost of Attendance

Estimated Cost of Attendance: Living on Campus

Out-of-state, scholarships, although usf offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, we strive to reduce the cost of college even further – so you can access an affordable education and graduate with minimal debt, no matter what your background..

USF SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS

Admissions Scholarships

When you apply for admission by the designated Scholarship Deadline , the Office of Admissions will AUTOMATICALLY consider you for merit-based admissions scholarships ranging from $8,000 - $16,000 for in-state students and $4,000 - $44,000 for out-of-state students. There's nothing else you need to do to qualify.

More Scholarship Details

Intrigued? Check out our frequently asked questions. Then add the application deadline to your calendar so you don’t miss out.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Are You Eligible?

Find out if your GPA and SAT or ACT scores meet the criteria for an admissions scholarship.

MORE SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

USF Scholarships

Our support doesn’t end with admissions scholarships. USF offers hundreds of additional scholarships for specific majors, interests, identities and financial need. Best of all, there’s no need to comb through all of them. Fill out one form to get matched with scholarships you may qualify for and apply for the ones that interest you by Feb. 28!

Scholarship Resources

For advice on how to successfully find and earn lucrative awards, check out our scholarship articles on the Admit-A-Bull blog.

Other Types of Aid

Scholarships aren’t the only types of aid we offer. Find out how we support you with valuable grants, loans and work study opportunities. At USF, we don’t believe finances should be a barrier to a better education.

Your future awaits. See the important dates for starting your journey at USF.

DATES AND DEADLINES

Important Dates for Starting at USF

Summer/fall entry term deadlines.

Summer/Fall application opens

Priority application deadline. Submit your application by this date for your best chance of acceptance and campus choice.

Application Completion Deadline for Scholarship and Admission Consideration. Submit your application and all supporting materials for your chance at admissions scholarships and admissions priority consideration.

Final deadline to apply to USF.

SPRING ENTRY TERM DEADLINES

Spring application opens

Final deadline to apply or (prior on a space availability basis).

Application Completion Deadline for Admission Consideration (or prior on a space availability basis). Submit your application and all supporting materials for admissions consideration.

Tour USF — Online or On Campus

We could tell you all about life at usf, but we’d rather show you discover all the places usf bulls learn, eat, sleep, study and play with a virtual or on-campus tour., continue to application process, see the steps to complete the application process, including how to submit the application fee, official test scores and official transcripts..

• Research at USF
• Admission Requirements
• How To Apply To USF
• USF Scholarship Options
• Scholarship Eligibility
• More Scholarship Support
• Dates and Deadlines
• Application Process

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Main navigation.

General Address USF St. Petersburg campus 140 7th Ave. South St. Petersburg, FL 33701

General Phone Number 727-873-4873 (4USF)

Campus & Parking Map

• USF St. Petersburg map (.pdf)
• Interactive campus map

Parking information Visitor parking is available in the Fifth Street Parking Facility. For additional information, see Parking and Transportation .

Campus Tours

Campus Visitation Office Location Bayboro (BAY) 111 Phone: 727-873-4562 Email: [email protected]

Tour Information

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Campus Recreation Memberships available. Lessons for boating, sailing, fitness and Red Cross available. Our campus also offers camps, adventures, group fitness and an array of events. Discover all what Campus Recreation has to offer. Wireless Access Guest wireless access is provided to visitors through Campus Computing .

Emergency Information Line Call our hotline at: 

• 727 USF-INFO (727 873-4636) for emergency notifications
• 3-4636 from on-campus phone system

More information about public safety and preparedness. 

Student Accessibility Services

USF St. Petersburg campus is an exciting, welcoming and supporting environment where students needing accommodations are recognized and valued. Visit our SAS website for more information.

Campus Bookstore A large selection of textbooks, course materials and supplies will ensure every USF St. Petersburg campus student is prepared for success. The bookstore also has authentic USF St. Petersburg collegiate apparel including USF St. Petersburg campus t-shirts, sweatshirts, gifts, hats and more. We've got USF St. Petersburg campus gift ideas ranging from drinkware to gift cards. Visit the USF St. Petersburg campus bookstore website for location and hours.

By Land To approach the USF St. Petersburg campus from Interstate 275, take exit 22 and merge onto Interstate 175. Continue straight onto 5th Ave S then turn right onto 3rd St S. Turn left onto 6th Ave S. The University Student Center/ Welcome Center is located on the right.

By Public Transportation Visit the  Pinellas Suncoast Transportation Authority (PSTA) for a bus map and general information. The SunRunner , a hybrid electric rapid bus that can take individuals from downtown to the beach in 35 minutes, has a stop by the parking garage at 6th Ave S & 3rd St S, with service arriving every 15 minutes. USF St. Petersburg ID holders ride free.

By Sea Tampa Bay and the St. Petersburg area are depicted on United States Coast Guard chart # 11416 . Details for Bayboro Harbor are best illustrated on the St. Petersburg inset. Coordinates are North 27-45.91 and West 082-37.62. The harbor entrance is identified by marker “S”, a center channel marker. Proceed west in the channel for about one nautical mile. You will pass the U. S. Coast Guard station on both sides of the channel and then come to the College of Marine Science on the right. Directly ahead will be Harborage Marina. Bear to the right (northwest) and round the various research vessels moored along the break water frontage. The USF St. Petersburg campus docks are ahead on the right.

Please call the  Boathouse (727) 873-4597 prior to arrival.

By General Aviation Aircraft St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport is directly across the street from campus. The airport identifier is SPG. The airport supports general aviation aircraft including some corporate jets. Fuel and services are available. Please, check with published airport directories for details.

Best Self Drive Tours in Iceland

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Self Drive Tours in Iceland

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10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Top Attractions & Snaefellsnes

Best 1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle

Epic 13-Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland's Complete Ring Road with Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Westfjords

Epic 14 Day Self Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & the Westfjords

Express 6-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

One Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s West & South Coasts with Waterfalls & Glaciers

7-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

8-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with the South Coast In-Depth

Iceland Full Circle 10-Day Self Drive Tour

In-Depth 10-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland with Waterfalls & Glaciers

6-Day Self-Drive Holiday in Iceland with the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Unforgettable 11-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & the East Fjords

5-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour with the Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

8-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle

Best 7-Day Northern Lights Self Drive Tour Through South Iceland to Jokulsarlon Ice Cave

11-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Holiday of the Complete Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

12-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Unforgettable 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of West & South Iceland with the Golden Circle

Classic 10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Full Circle of Iceland

Scenic 5-Day Self Drive Tour of Iceland with Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

8-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of West and South Iceland with Ice Caving

Amazing 6-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour on Iceland's South Coast with Ice Caving

Amazing 2-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour with Hot Springs & the Golden Circle

7 Day Budget Self Drive Tour of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula & the South Coast

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Vacation Packages in Iceland

Tour calendar, nature tours in iceland, adventure tours in iceland, cheap bus tours in iceland, top tour destinations in iceland, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Vijay Kalak

Overall trip was wonderful - quite happy with hotels booked and guidance that was provided. Played huge role in having wonderful vacation. However, guidance and road-map could be better as in two separate instances it was guided to visit last attraction of the day to be away from hotel and then to drive back for the stay. Either different hotel that is closer to last attraction of the day, or move last attraction as part of following day's agenda. This certainly caused unpleasant experiences on those 2 days. Other than that everything else was fine and we loved it.

This was my first trip to Iceland and also as a solo traveler. I chose Guide to Iceland to plan my trip. I had the most amazing 9-day self-drive itinerary to discover the beauty of Iceland. The staff at Guide to Iceland were very quicky and helpful to answer any questions or to make changes to my plans.

Guide to Iceland did a great job of booking our visit. All the bookings went as expected and there were no problems or difficulties. Our car hire was exactly as requested and all our guesthouses and hotels were expecting us. We got an upgrade at the Geysir from the Litl Geysir to the Hotel Geysir which was an unexpected bonus. All the accommodation was excellent, with one exception at Klausterhof which was clean but disappointing, especially the lack of dining and an extremely poor breakfast. All the other places we stayed at were clean, friendly and provided excellent facilities and food. The suggested itinerary was ideal and took us to some spectacular places I would recommend Guide to Iceland.

Incredible trip, different scenery every day, snowmobiling is so much fun, highly recommended. Looking forward to my next trip to Europe, I will still use this app. Great planning

Taking Self Drive Tours in Iceland

Self-drive tours in Iceland offer an unparalleled way to explore the land of fire and ice at your own pace. This unique travel experience connects adventurers with Iceland's breathtaking natural beauty.

With its well-maintained road network and easy-to-follow routes, Iceland is a dream destination for independent travelers.

One of the most popular routes is the Ring Road , which encircles the entire island, providing access to diverse landscapes.

Each region unveils its distinct charm from the iconic Golden Circle , featuring the Geysir geothermal area , Gullfoss waterfall , and Thingvellir National Park to the remote East Fjords and the rugged North Iceland .

Self-drive tours provide the flexibility to stop and explore wherever your heart desires. You can embark on short hikes to discover hidden waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs, or capture the mesmerizing beauty of glaciers and volcanic vistas.

It's also an excellent opportunity to engage with Iceland's rich cultural heritage by visiting small fishing villages and local museums.

Our self-drive tours allow you to customize your trip based on your preferences. These come with the convenience of detailed itineraries, rental cars, accommodations, and a wide range of optional activities.

The best part? While you enjoy your freedom in navigating Iceland, you are never really alone. You have a travel agent available 24/7 for any questions or concerns.

Preparing for Iceland's ever-changing weather is crucial, so knowing what to wear and packing suitable clothing and supplies is essential. And remember to prioritize safety on the road, especially during the unpredictable winter months.

Reading about driving in Iceland is also helpful to familiarize yourself with the unique road conditions and safety guidelines. Preparing in advance enhances your safety and allows you to appreciate the stunning landscapes and attractions along your journey.

In Iceland, self-drive tours are a rewarding way to create lasting memories amidst landscapes that seem straight out of a fairy tale.

Frequently asked questions

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Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

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Top things to do in Iceland

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Visit a Live Volcano

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

Find the Northern Lights

Explore an Ice Cave

How to get your 10 thousand steps on Venice Beach

Jun 1, 2024 • 6 min read

The best way to explore Venice Beach and its eclectic boardwalk is on foot © Getty Images

In our 10K steps series, we've asked writers for the best places to get in your steps while enjoying city sights, favorite routes and some secret detours. In this one James March takes us around the colorful and chaotic streets and boulevards of Venice Beach.

Los Angeles’ coast stretches 75 miles, but little of that sun-kissed shore is as iconic, colorful or strange as Venice Beach .

Flanked by Santa Monica to the north and Marina Del Ray to the south, Venice’s waterfront is one of the most eclectic and iconoclastic public spaces in California and has been officially part of LA since 1926. But there’s far more to Venice than just its chaotic boardwalk . From languid canals to sleek skateparks, a wander around this bizarre corner of LA is an assault on the senses like no other and all are welcome in Venice’s potpourri of hippies, misfits, performers, artists and beatniks.

The best way to soak it all in is via a looped walk, so here’s how to follow my favorite route.

Where to start: The Venice Sign

You’ll see the famous Venice Sign again later this evening (in a much brighter fashion), but it’s also a good starting point for our walk. Industrial-chic breakfast spot Eggslut is around the corner if you need a bit of pre-walk fuel with one of their (unsurprisingly) egg-heavy sandwiches. Otherwise, head east on Pacific Avenue before turning north on S Venice Blvd and joining the Venice Canals towpath.

Meander the Venice Canals

Comfortably the most peaceful corner of Venice, these saltbush-fringed canals look nothing like the rest of the neighborhood. Or LA, for that matter. With arcing white bridges, a soft color palette, swaying palms and handsome water reflections, the canals are wonderfully photogenic and don’t be surprised if you feel a pang of jealousy toward those living here.

Each waterside house is different, with the big-windowed Scandi-style modernist apartments the most seductive (in this writer’s opinion). There’s little wind here too, compared to the beach, which only adds to the joyous serenity. Watch for cormorants, herons and other birdlife splashing down as you stroll.

Exit the canals and stroll north on S Venice Blvd. Walk for around 10 minutes, past the Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library and turn left on Abbot Kinney Blvd. Abbot Kinney himself was the 19th-century founder of the canals (he successfully changed the name of this area from Ocean Park to Venice in 1911, due to his fascination with the Italian lagoon city) and now this popular street is named after him.

Stop for quality coffee on Abbot Kinney

Affluent Abbot Kinney Blvd perhaps more closely resembles other LA neighborhoods du jour like Silverlake or Brentwood, though there are some nods to its coastal location, like the pseudo wooden beach shack hosting a Ray-Ban outlet (check out turquoise Goodr cabin further down the street for more affordable shades). Speaking of shops, there are plenty of ways to empty your wallet here, from overpriced smoothies to myriad retro clothing stores.

But this sophisticated stroll is also splashed with cool murals and some excellent restaurants and coffee stops, with the airy Intelligentsia the pick of the bunch. Natural light pours down on its wood-paneled central station as organic blends are poured to the sound of bouncy jazz beats (though prepare for the occasional patience-testing line).

Reasonably-priced tacos can be grabbed at family-owned Tacos Por Favor on the corner of Electric Avenue and Hampton Drive, otherwise continue north along Hampton and past the iconic Golds Gym (Arnold Schwarzenegger still pumps iron there from time to time allegedly, though you’ll need to be up at the crack of dawn to catch him). Make a zig-zagging path to Navy St, before eventually emerging onto the northern end of the Venice boardwalk.

Hit the boardwalk

Cannabis smoke drifts, drums thump, neon bikes glimmer, handheld stereos blast, low-flying helicopters hum, people shout, others sing and hot dog stands hiss. Your senses aren’t so much assaulted in Venice’s epicenter as bludgeoned. The boardwalk is kitschy and trashy but always compelling.

With the sun a little stronger and everyone feeling a little looser, mid-afternoon is the best time to experience the boisterous boardwalk where people watching never felt so exhilarating. Duck into Small World Books for a slice of cerebral calm, and only use the beach’s public restrooms if it's really necessary.

Make the leisurely walk south at your own pace and stop at any vendor that catches your eye (there are over 200 to choose from). People here are always willing to chat and chances are you’ll meet some curiously dressed characters who may or may not tell you their life story. Sidewalk Cafe is a breezy spot for a cold afternoon beer and it’s also adjacent to the skate park, which is our next port of call.

Admire some serious skating skills

When LA’s soft late-afternoon light hits Venice’s sunken skatepark a sublime scene forms, with talented local skaters turned to gliding silhouettes fringed by tall skinny palms. The vibes are always good, with tourists and friends watching and applauding the flicks and tricks on show.

The sound of the nearby waves breaking is amplified here, and the genial encouragement alongside the funky beats from the roller skating dance plaza behind makes the atmosphere fun, especially when there’s back-and-forth banter between skaters and their friends behind the rails.

It’s not far from LA’s lapping shores here, so maybe go for a quick paddle in the Pacific while you have the chance. Head back down to the boardwalk and stop by at the famous Muscle Beach where you might catch an adonis or two working on their bench press.

Arnold, the original Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno and many more have trained here during bodybuilding’s 1970s golden era. Though these days it's the relentless clack of couples playing paddle tennis from the courts behind that’s more popular. Stroll past the restaurants and bars of Windward Avenue and take a right at the Venice Sign where you’ll head inside the Hotel Erwin .

Soak in sunset rooftop views

Surprisingly, there’s only one place in Venice with a rooftop patio, and this is it. Lined by blood orange parasols, the Hotel Erwin’s 7th-floor deck is huge and stretches the entire length of the hotel. And on a clear day the views are genuinely panoramic, with downtown’s hazy skyscrapers visible and the high craggy Malibu Hills stretching east to Hollywood and beyond.

If you time this walk right, you’ll catch a golden sunset settling over the lights of Santa Monica Pier . Many of the sofas will be reserved, but the bar and the high tables on the left-hand side are available to all comers.

You can order food at the Erwin or take the elevator back down to Windward Avenue below for more gastro options (the smoky mezcal served at the Del Monte Speakeasy inside Townhouse is a favorite of mine). But since you’re here and night has fallen, don’t forget to cross over Pacific Avenue and take a photo of the Venice Sign now that it’s all lit up and strung out in its green, white and red glory.

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How to go inside Michigan Central despite no more Open House tours available

• Updated: Jun. 07, 2024, 11:13 p.m. |
• Published: Jun. 07, 2024, 10:08 a.m.

• Edward Pevos | [email protected]

DETROIT - It’s the hottest free ticket in town. Tens of thousands of people have just begun touring the inside of one of Michigan’s most majestic buildings, Michigan Central , after the historic train depot opened this morning for the first time in more than three decades.

The opening comes following last night’s once-in-a-lifetime concert in front of 20,000 people on the grounds of the Station . Performers included Eminem, Jack White, Big Sean, Melissa Etheridge, Fantasia, Jelly Roll, the Clark Sisters and Common. The show was shown live on Peacock and can be seen, edited, on Sunday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. on NBC.

Over the next 10 days, more than 60,000 people will tour the Station as part of the free Open House event. If you were not able to schedule a free tour, you can do so beginning on Friday, June 21. That’s when the Station will be open for self-guided tours from 5-9 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays through August 31. No tickets are required for these tours.

Michigan Central will also begin a phased reactivation of The Station over the next several months and years as restaurant, retail, and other commercial and community-focused partners take up residency. Expanded hours will be announced for fall, when the first phase of commercial activations opens to the public.

Michigan Central first opened back in 1913 and was once one of the grandest depots in the world, seeing thousands of people coming and going daily. It closed in 1988 where it lay abandoned until Ford purchased it in 2018. After a six year painstaking and meticulous restoration, the Station is now open to the public.

MORE MICHIGAN CENTRAL :

First look inside the once abandoned Michigan Central, restored to its 1913 glory

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See Michigan Central Station before and after 6 years of restoration

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Jrue Holiday leads Celtics to Game 2 win in…

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State will seek death penalty in madeline soto killing, jrue holiday leads celtics to game 2 win in self-described utility, support role.

Holiday was everywhere Sunday night in the Celtics’ 105-98 win over the Mavericks. The Celtics will travel to Dallas with a 2-0 lead over the Mavericks; after winning Game 1 on Thursday, Kidd called Jaylen Brown, not three-time first-team All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ top player.

Holiday called himself a “utility guy” after Sunday’s win.

“I don’t think I’m shredding the defense,” Holiday said with humility after his performance. “I think it’s moreso JT and JB. Especially tonight, JT was getting to the paint and being double-teamed and making the right plays out of it. Just finding me either being the dunker or being in the corner. He has that vision as a play-maker. I would give that to them. …

“I do whatever. I’m here to win. They brought me here to win, and doing my best to do that,” Holiday said. At the end of the day, this is their team. I know it’s probably just as much my team as theirs, but the pressure that they have on themselves to execute and to be great is a little bit different than my pressure. … How they always handle themselves has always been so honorable. It’s slightly different. They’re superstars, and I’m here to support them.”

The Celtics didn’t take the bait from Kidd and played complementary basketball on Sunday night. Holiday led the team with 26 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 11-of-14 and adding three assists and a steal. He was 2-of-4 from three and hit 2-of-2 free throws as he did most of his damage from the paint in the dunker spot. He has yet to turn the ball over in the finals.

“It’s connected, and that’s what people don’t realize. Every guy on our team can’t be at their best if this guy doesn’t do that. So, Jayson’s facilitating, Jaylen’s decision-making, that leads to Jrue’s playmaking in the way that they’re defending us,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said after the win. “We have to make multiple plays, we have to have multiple drives. I think Jrue did a great job, guys did a great job finding them. He did a great job attacking closeouts and then either kicking it back out for a second drive or getting an open shot. What he can do defensively, it all goes back to everybody on the team works to impact a game differently every single night.”

Holiday and fellow guard Derrick White effectively put the game away late in the fourth quarter on back-to-back threes. White jumped an errant pass from Mavericks star Luka Doncic for a steal before center Al Horford assisted on a 26-foot make by Holiday. On the Celtics’ next possession, Holiday hauled in an offensive rebound after a missed dunk from Tatum and assisted White on his own 26-footer.

Tatum and Brown combined for just 39 points, but Tatum, who scored 18 on 6-of-22 shooting, facilitated the offense with 12 assists. Brown scored 17 points with seven assists and four rebounds.

White also shined with 18 points, three steals, two blocks, five rebounds and two assists.

Holiday, the only player on the Celtics’ roster with an NBA Championship, which he won in 2021 with the Bucks, came over from Milwaukee in a trade last offseason for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon and two future first-round picks. In April, Holiday, 33, signed a four-year, $135 million contract extension with the Celtics with $100 million guaranteed.

“That experience, that championship DNA that you hear about all the time, you don’t really know what it takes until you do what it takes,” White said Sunday night. “Just the moment he came to our team in training camp he had that presence about him. He just knows how to win.”

Holiday averaged 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 69 games this season while shooting 48.0% from the field and 42.9% from three. The 6-foot-4 guard picked up NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors for his performance.

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Jennifer Lopez cancels summer 2024 tour, two South Florida concerts

E ntertainer Jennifer Lopez’s decision to cancel her 2024 summer tour is vexing to fans in South Florida, where she was scheduled for concerts at Miami’s Kaseya Center on June 28-29.

The announcement on Friday came after weeks of speculation about poor ticket sales around the country.for her tour, originally titled This Is Me … Live, before being rebranded as This Is Me… Live | The Greatest Hits. 

The move to pull the plug on the tour came three months after Lopez added a second performance in Miami, citing “fan demand.” 

The 34-city tour was scheduled to kick off on June 26 at the Kia Center in Orlando, where ticket sales also were reportedly strong.   

Entertainment magazine Variety published pictures of seat maps at Lopez concerts in Denver, Pittsburgh and Tulsa, showing oceans of unsold seats. 

At OnTheJLo.com , the singer posted an announcement that said she is “taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends.”

In a separate statement, Lopez said: “I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary. I promise I will make it up to you.”

The tour was set to be her first North American concerts in five years. It was pegged to her latest album “This Is Me… Now,” her first studio release in nearly a decade, and two films: the now-streaming Netflix space adventure “Atlas” and “This Is Me… Now,” an autobiographical musical romance featuring husband Ben Affleck.

Social media has buzzed lately with rumors of trouble in the Lopez-Affleck marriage. 

A statement from Ticketmaster said South Florida fans who purchased tickets for the two Miami shows will receive a full refund at point of purchase.

For updates on the tour, visit OnTheJLo.com .

Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow on  Instagram @BenCrandell  and   Twitter @BenCrandell .

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